KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Astros are “leaning heavily” toward new uniforms to accompany the club’s move to the American League in 2013, owner Jim Crane said Sunday.

“If the change is going to be made, certainly next year going to the American League is our transition and we’re leaning heavily that way,” Crane said on his second visit to Astros spring training.

Crane had officials from Major League Baseball come in to work with the club last week. He was informed that changes to logos, uniforms and other branding must be submitted by May 1. They cannot be released to the public until after this season.

“We’ll get some of the staff and some of the fans in on the next look, and hopefully we’ll make a decision on the deadline that they’re requiring if we’re going to make a decision,” Crane said.

Crane spent the morning in a team meeting as full-squad workouts were set to begin. With Carlos Lee, Jonathan Singleton and Jonathan Villar reporting to camp, all 63 players were in place and heard from Crane, general manager Jeff Luhnow and Brad Mills in the annual pep talk.

They then hit the field to the first rainy practice day with pitchers about to throw to hitters for the first time.

Photo: Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle

Image 1of/8

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 8

In 2012, the Astros celebrated their 50th anniversary by wearing throw-back jerseys on Flashback Fridays that represented different eras in franchise history.

In 2012, the Astros celebrated their 50th anniversary by wearing throw-back jerseys on Flashback Fridays that represented different eras in franchise history.